THREE students from Warrington’s Priestley College have been accepted into Oxford University to study Medicine, Politics and English.
Chris Hammond, Niamh Costello and Connor Simpson have all made it after studying A Levels or the International Baccalaureate alongside Priestley College’s unique graduate programme.
Chris, who is 18, from Stockton Heath will be going to Pembroke College Oxford to study medicine after completing his Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Psychology A Levels.
The former Bridgewater High School student, who wants to be a consultant, said: “The graduate programme at Priestley definitely helped because it gave me the opportunity to see Oxford, which started to convert me into wanting to go there in the first place.
“The essay competition was marked by Pembroke tutors so that really helped you to understand what was expected of you.”
The graduate programme is unique to Priestley and works with the very best students aiming to unlock their potential and raise their aspirations.
It focuses on making students competitive in the national and international market place for universities and employment.
Also heading to Pembroke College Oxford is another former Bridgewater High student, Connor Simpson, who studied the International Baccalaureate at Priestley.
The 17-year-old, who will be studying politics, philosophy and economics, said: “I’m trying to think about my career options and am considering politics because I want to make a real change and help people.”
Fellow International Baccalaureate student Niamh Costello, who is 18, is heading to Mansfield College, Oxford, to study English.
The former Lymm High School student from Thelwall, said the IB had prepared her well for the university interview process.
“The IB interested me because of the way it appeals to universities,” she said. “You get to keep a breadth of subjects without losing the depth of knowledge and it helps you to keep your options open.”
Chris, Niamh and Connor will begin their studies at Oxford in October.
Chris, from Stockton Heath, said: “My advice to first year students would be to aim high. If you want to go to Oxbridge, and feel you have a chance, then keep going for it because there’s no reason why it can’t work out.”
Senior tutor Mark Salmon said: “We’d like to congratulate Chris, Niamh and Connor on achieving their place at Oxford and all other Priestley students who have gone on to leading universities.
“Those who have completed Priestley’s unique, two-year graduate programme have taken part in many challenging tasks designed to support their HE applications and to make them more competitive.
“These students have also helped mentor first years on Priestley’s graduate programme to help prepare their applications for Oxbridge and other leading Russell Group universities.”
Picture: Priestley principal Mike Southworth with Oxford-bound Chris Hammond, Connor Simpson and Niamh Costello and tutor Mark Salmon.
